Governance of Energy from the Local to the Global

1
Governance of Energy from theLocal to the
Global A Necessityfor Climate Change
Mitigation
Sylvia Karlsson 11th Annual IEF Conference,
Ottawa, Canada 12-14 October 2007
International Environment Forum
2
Outline
1. Energy and climate change 2. What is
governance? 3. Global energy governance 4.
National energy governance 5. Local energy
governance 6. Life beyond energy...
3
Energy (mostly fossil fuels) is the key
driver behind human contributions to climate
change. Two thirds of green house gases come
from energy use.
4
Per capita energy use (giga joules) by region,
2000
- 2,4 billion people lack access to modern
cooking fuels (half of all households and 90 of
rural households) - 1,6 billion lack access to
electricity (one quarter of world population)
Source World Energy Assessment Overview 2004
Update
5
Governance is the sum of the many ways
individuals and institutions, public and private,
manage their common affairs. It is a continuing
process through which conflicting or diverse
interests may be accommodated and co-operative
action may be taken. (Commission on Global
Governance 1995)
6
Global energy governance

• mediate conflict over energy resources

• facilitate the transition to renewable energy

• address global energy disparities

The light of men is Justice. .. The purpose of
justice is the appearance of unity among men. -
Bahá'u'lláh -
7
National energy governance

• take strong immediate decisions favouring energy
  efficiency, energy savings and renewable sources

• take bold (and sometimes costly)
• decisions in long-term energy planning

Trustworthiness is the foundation of all
virtues - Bahá'u'lláh -
8
Individuals, families, communities

• choose more efficient lightbulbs, fridges, cars
  etc.

• choose renewable energy sources

• drive less, fly less, consume less...

...be content with little - Bahá'u'lláh -
9
...but live more with less energy!
...it is clear that the honour and exaltation of
man must be something more than material riches.
Material comforts are only a branch, but the
root...is the good attributes and virtues which
are the adornments of his reality -Abdul-Bahá-
10
Thank you! Contact sylvia.karlsson_at_tse.fi